My studies were in Fine Arts, where I specialized in mural and painting restoration. After working in studios and on projects related to this field, as well as teaching, I decided to take the step of opening a small space where I could develop my passion for art and live a more peaceful life.
At the beginning, I worked with artists who were also friends, such as Mercedes Laguens, Margalida Escalas, and Biel March. I was also interested in the ceramics of Joan Pere Català Roig and Maria Antonia Carrió. There wasn't exactly a defined line; that came later, with time. By visiting exhibitions and attending art fairs, my perspective evolved, and I realized that there were certain characteristics common to the works that caught my attention. These works were mostly formalist, conveying an idea of order and balance. Ultimately, art acts like a mirror; you always hope to find affinity or complementarity.
Yes, after considering other possible locations on the island, Artà seemed like a place that was still unspoiled by tourism, rural and authentic, without any art galleries, and above all, with a privileged natural environment. It's only an hour from the capital. Although in recent years it has lost some of that peaceful atmosphere, succumbing to the economic pressure of attracting tourism and all that entails.
Perhaps because it's not so much conceived as a business, which always implies a logic of perpetual growth, but rather as a way of life, it hasn't changed much. Being able to connect with artists, show their work, promote it, and help them expand their reach is like planting a seed. We haven't been particularly interested in the stress of attending art fairs or competitions. Perhaps a good example of this style is Sa Pleta Freda in Son Servera.
It has changed a lot. It has grown considerably, with many new galleries opening, each with very diverse programs. Galleries like Kewenig and Baró arrived, offering high-level programming, as did CCA Andratx. The role and importance of the curator has also been recognized and valued. The proliferation of the "Nits de l'Art" (Nights of Art) events has created an open atmosphere that welcomes people into the galleries and encourages people to see exhibitions. In Palma, these events are a huge success, but they also take place in smaller towns like Campos and Alaró, bringing contemporary art to the rural areas in a friendly and festive way. In recent years, it seems that art plays a significant role in society, although sometimes it can lead to confusion.
In Mallorca, hotels have always been important for galleries. In the case of the Hotel Juz, the owners had the explicit intention of exhibiting art, not only in the rooms and common areas, but also in a dedicated space. I presented a proposal to them, and we have already organized three interesting exhibitions, the latest featuring artists such as Joan Cortés and Jean Marie del Moral, among others.
I would recommend Espai Kamàndalu, where Laura Micheletti creates all kinds of baskets using the traditional palm fiber weaving technique, learned from the most expert craftswomen in Capdepera. And I would also recommend enjoying a glass of wine while watching the sunset at the viewpoint on the road to Cala Torta, which is now part of the Llevant Natural Park.
For more information visit:
Galeria Pepnot
